Polymorphisms in the 5′ upstream region of the FSH receptor gene, and their association with superovulation traits in Chinese Holstein cows

To identify a predictor to forecast superovulation response on the basis of associations between superovulation performance and gene polymorphism, variation in the bovine follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) gene was investigated using PCR-single-strand conformational (PCR-SSCP) and DNA sequencing. One single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of G-278A located in the 5′ upstream region of bovine FSHR gene was found in 118 Chinese Holstein cows treated for superovulation. Two SNPs of G-278A (GU253337) and A-320T (rs43676359) were analyzed. In polymorphic locus −278, all cows without superovulation response were mutations with genotypes of CD and DD. Cows with CC genotype had a significant increase in the total number of ova (TNO) (P < 0.01), and produced more transferable embryos (NTE) than those of the CD and DD genotypes (P < 0.01). At this locus, the additive effects seemed to be highly significant (P < 0.01) and allele C was associated with an increase in the TNO and NTE. These results indicated that the FSHR is a potential marker for superovulation response and can be used as a predictor for superovulation in Chinese Holstein cows.